Donald "Tiner" F. Altenburger

Donald F. "Tiner" Altenburger, 88, formerly of Ottoville, OH, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 5, 2021 in his home, surrounded by his loving family and wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Altenburger. Tiner was born February 19, 1933 in Ottoville to the late Andrew and Matilda (Schmitt) Altenburger. On July 29, 1961, he was united in marriage to his loving wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Poling at St. John’s Catholic Church in Delphos, OH.

Tiner, a Korean War (Navy) veteran, was an educator who began his career as both a teacher and coach at Ottoville High School in 1961. He briefly taught at Delphos St. John’s High School before moving on to Fort Jennings, where he taught for the remainder of his career before retiring from the profession in 1991. A true educator, affectionately known as “Coach or DA,” Tiner spent his days working with students in the classroom, on the athletic court and fields, and on the roads in his capacity as a drivers’ education teacher. He earned numerous awards for his work with student athletes including PCL Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Ohio High School Century Club for coaching his Varsity basketball teams to over 261 victories throughout his tenure. Tiner’s passion and enthusiasm for his work had an enduring and positive impact on students and players alike in a career which spanned four decades.

Donald is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; four loving sons: Andrew (Candace) Altenburger of Fort Smith, AR, Michael (Colleen) Altenburger of Waterbury, CT, Douglas Altenburger of Somerset, MA, and Steven (Gretchen) Altenburger of Denver, CO; nine adoring grandchildren: Jill Altenburger, Matthew (Matt) Altenburger, Morgan Altenburger, Grace Altenburger, Logan Altenburger, Kendall Altenburger, Gavin Altenburger, Elizabeth (Ellie) Altenburger, Magnolia (Maggie) Altenburger; a caring sister, Irene Stechschulte of Houston, TX, and many special nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by 5 brothers: Harold "Tack" (Evelyn) Altenburger, Hubert "Hups" (Dorothy) Altenburger, Jerome "Whitey" (Velma) Altenburger, Wilbur "Bill" (Sally) Altenburger, and Paul “Duck” (Bettie) Altenburger; 2 sisters: Dolores "Dolly" (Richard) Friemoth and Louise "Sis" (Basil) Alt; and brother-in-law, William "Wid" Stechschulte.

Tiner was a devout Catholic and member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ottoville. He was a member of the Ottoville VFW, the Fort Jennings American Legion, and both the Delphos and Lima Eagles, where he enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. He also served as a member of the OHSAA Girls Basketball Advisory Committee.

While in retirement, Tiner and Betty enjoyed travelling to visit their children and grandchildren located across the country. He especially loved spending time with his children and watching performances and sporting events in which his grandchildren participated. He was immensely proud of their achievements.

There will be a funeral mass Wednesday, August 11, 2021 (10:30 a.m EDT) at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Ottoville, OH, with Father Jerry Schetter officiating. The mass will also be streamed live on Ottoville’s Immaculate Conception Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OttovilleImmaculateConception